An Arizona Republican compared slavery to abortion as he blamed “the left” for slavery and the Civil War. Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) appeared Friday as a guest host of the Family Research Council’s “Washington Watch” program, reported Right Wing Watch. “There were a group of people, they called them Republicans, they began to coalesce as a new party, that said, no, these slaves are children of God and we as Americans stand for the notion that we’re all created equal and that includes slaves,” he argued.
“So, long story short, all African Americans owe a great debt to the Republican Party no matter how you look at it. And that’s the thing about gratitude – it is often promised, but very rarely displayed. And it’s not like I believe they’re doing it on purpose – I know these sort of things get forgotten very easily. But, you know, I’m just saying, it would be nice if the GOP got at least some sign of support and gratitude from black people in America, instead of constant hatred and provocations,” Franks added.
He continued, “Now, I’ve given this some thought and I have to say, I kind of understand the everyday black people. You know who I’m talking about: the ones who are poor, who are living in ghettos and can barely survive. I get that they have nothing to be grateful for – if anything, they would have been better off as slaves. I mean, at least they’d have a guaranteed meal and shelter. But, it’s the more prominent members of the race that baffle me. There are many rich and famous black people in America today. Yet, none of them has said anything on the subject. I wonder why that is.”
Franks then went on to use First Lady Michelle Obama as an example. “And when I say prominent black people, I’m talking about the biggest names out there, names that have the power and the influence to start trends and move people. Names like Michelle Obama, for example. I can understand why her husband doesn’t want to say thank you; he is only half-black, so it’s kind of half-justified that he’s quiet. But her, I’m really surprised that she’s not saying anything. At the very least, a simple nod to the oldest Republicans would mean the world to the Party. Some would say that’s just cruel.”
“You know, that’s also a bit hypocritical,” he added. “After all, she and millions of other black Americans today have their freedom and are being treated as equals because many years ago, white people freed them from their shackles and their torment. And those white people were Republicans, I might add. So, this is all very confusing and very painful for me to talk about, primarily as a white person, and then as a Republican, as well. I forgive them – I want that made clear. However, I’m not sure about other Republicans who aren’t as forgiving as me,” Franks concluded.
